More than 20 firefighters participated in the hands on training for safety techniques.

Trainers say there’s a different way for first responders to approach a hybrid or electric car., as compared to gasoline-powered vehicles.

“There are several things we have to consider,“ Director of Maine Fire Service Institute Bill Guiden said. “Whether the battery is on, whether it’s energized, where the cables are located. There are several factors where it used to be that we could come cut the car open. We don’t do that anymore. We’ve got to it a little more safely and effectively to make sure the victims get out safely.”

Goodwin Chevrolet and Lee Toyota provided a Chevy Volt and a Toyota Prius for the training session.